Notes: Cavaliers take chance on Andrew Bynum

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The Cavaliers are taking a chance on Andrew Bynum and his creaky knees.

The free agent center, who never played one second with Philadelphia last season because of knee injuries, agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Cavs, a person familiar with the negotiations said.

Bynum accepted the deal Wednesday night, said the person who spoke anonymously because the team has not announced the agreement.

The 7-footer was traded to the 76ers last summer as part of a four-team blockbuster. Bynum, a former All-Star with the Lakers, was expected to help Philadelphia contend, but the 25-year-old never stepped on the court and underwent surgery on both knees in March.

The Cavs, who beat out Atlanta and Dallas for Bynum, are only guaranteeing $6 million and one year to Bynum. The team has the option on the second year.

Moves made

Just about every team would have wanted Dwight Howard. Only the Rockets got him, and Wednesday, the first day transactions could be completed and contacts signed following the completion of the NBA’s moratorium period, a couple of his other suitors announced their backup plans — while one lost out on another big target.

Paul Millsap is headed to the Hawks. The Warriors acquired Andre Iguodala. But the Mavericks missed out when Bynum signed with the Cavaliers.

The Clippers’ top target, Chris Paul, committed to stay on the first day of free agency.

Charlotte got bigger by adding Utah center Al Jefferson; his ex-Jazz teammate Millsap is also bound for the Southeast Division with the Hawks.

Atlanta missed out on Howard, and forward Josh Smith left for a $54 million, four-year deal with Detroit.

The Knicks acquired Andrea Bargnani from the Raptors. A report in the New York Post said that soon after the trade that sent Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Brooklyn Nets (which will be completed Friday), Carmelo Anthony told friends he wanted the Knicks to “make a play” for Boston’s Rajon Rondo. But the Knicks don’t have such financial flexibility.

The Pelicans signed former Celtics center Greg Stiemsma and welcomed Tyreke Evans, whom they got from Sacramento.

Jackson extended

The Warriors picked up the option on coach Mark Jackson’s contract for the 2014-15 season and named
Brian Scalabrine an assistant coach . . . Executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson is leaving his position at the NBA Aug. 1, and Rod Thorn will return to the league office as president of basketball operations . . . The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, working hard to get back on the court, said his surgically repaired Achilles’ tendon is ‘‘progressing faster than anybody expected,’’ though he won’t start shooting again until next month.